I had a different blog post ready to go live today, but twice in the last week I’ve really laughed which made me realise the importance of laughter in healing and especially how it deepens and repairs connections.
I’ll explain two benefits of laughter, provide four ways you can bring more laughter into your life and, at the end, maybe you’d like to add your own ideas. After all, wouldn’t it be great to share ways we can bring more laughter into our lives?
First the two things that have really got me going recently were a video of Pam Ayres reading her poem called ‘They Should Have Asked My Husband’ and, whilst I make no comment about my own husband, I will say that I know several men who share some of the characteristics she talks about. Even a week or so later, I find myself smiling when I think about the video. You can watch it HERE.
Secondly I was doing a video with my good friend and mentor Karen Knott and when she fluffed the name of her business we were both completely hysterical for ages, and prone to fits of giggles even two days later. Here it is (it’s only five seconds)
These two things really made me think about the power of laughter and, whilst a giggle is great, there’s something even better about completely uncontrollable hysteria, the sort when you laugh till you cry and if you just look at the person you’re laughing with, it starts all over again. You feel so much better afterwards and uplifted (and maybe a bit exhausted…).
And while scripted laughter (eg jokes, comedians, funny films) is great, there’s something even better when it’s unexpected.
What are the benefits of laughter?
What’s the betting that you know how unbearable your life would be without laughter, but you take it for granted or maybe you don’t value the people and things in your life that make you laugh and you certainly and don’t seek it out.
I came across this definition of laughter, what do you think?
‘Laughter, song & dance create emotional & spiritual connection; they remind us of the one thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration or healing. We are not alone.’
[From Dr Brené Brown ‘The Gifts of Imperfection (Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are)’]
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So it reminds us that we’re not alone, pretty powerful
There are many other benefits but for me; as a childless woman the most important is that it reminds me I’m not alone. Even when I was really struggling, or maybe ESPECIALLY when I was really struggling, a laugh, or a smile really helped me to feel better. After all, laughter really is contagious, so just hearing makes you ready to join in.
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Laughter deepens connections between people
Laughing together strengthens and deepens relationships, creating something special which to me feels like a sacred connection, which you can recall when times are hard. And it can also be personal, something only the two of you share (I know there will be giggles when I next meet the friend who shared Pam Ayres, especially if our husbands are there).
I love this quote from Anne Lamott ‘Laughter is a bubbly, effervescent form of holiness.’
I think it’s a privilege to share laughter and hysteria, it’s one of the few times when you show your real, authentic self. I have a few female friends who I’ve really laughed with, plus my mother in law, and it was something my Mum was also prone to. So a personal thank you to those who’ve laughed and healed with me.
On this basis,
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what relationships could you repair with laughter?
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And if you’re not sure what to laugh about now, can you recall times in the past when you’ve laughed/had fun?
How can you bring more laughter into your life?
There are many ways and here are just four:
- When you want to laugh, lean into it. Maybe you’re shy or reserved, so next time experiment with really leaning into laughter and joy,
- Smile more. Smiling is a great way to connect and often leads to laughter,
- Create your own laughter bank; make a list of times when you’ve really laughed in the past, which you can refer to when you feel low.
- Seek out happy people – I know it’s obvious, but it works.
I’ll end with a question.
What really makes you laugh?
How about spending some time considering what really makes you laugh, and it would be even better if you could share these with others by adding comments below, after all the world needs more laughter and it’s a great gift we can share with others.
Thank you
Love your post Les about how good laughter is for you, and the short sticky Skype seconds you posted.
My mind often conjures scenarios verging on the very surreal. Not many people know this side of me but if they are at the right place at the right time they’ll experience a series of off-the-wall ludicrous-storytelling, usually involving me. I can get my house mate in stitches for minutes at a time. We love it because everything in the room expands, niggles recede and our childlike qualities are in full flush in that moment. Very healing!!